At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist students and the community with library services and customer inquiries.
- Company: Join the Hive, the UK's first joint public and academic library.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 32 days leave, and in-house training opportunities.
- Other info: Flexible hours with weekend/evening shifts and a supportive work culture.
- Why this job: Be part of an innovative team and enhance your customer service skills.
- Qualifications: Organised and confident individuals with a passion for excellent customer service.
The predicted salary is between 24830 - 25620 £ per year.
Library Services is responsible for a range of services provided to staff and students of the University, and the wider community. Services include the provision of online resources and hard copy library material, photocopiers, IT support, printing, systems for obtaining books and journals from other organisations via inter-library loans, as well as access to general IT facilities for students.
The management team consists of the University Librarian and section Team Leaders. This post sits within the Hive Front of House team and reports to one of the Hive Duty Managers, who in turn report to the Library Services Manager at the Hive. This is a demanding but exciting role in the Hive, the UK’s first joint public and academic library (run in partnership by the University of Worcester (UW) and Worcestershire County Council (WCC)), with the primary role being to help to make a success of the innovative 1st tier customer service model and contribute to Library Services more generally.
The customer service staffing model which is in operation brings together staff from the partners to work as an integrated Customer Service team, who answer a very wide range of 1st tier enquiries relating to any of the Hive services and refer them onwards as appropriate. The post will suit an organised, confident individual who has a real interest in providing excellent customer service in an innovative environment, and who enjoys challenges and takes change in their stride.
The Hive is open from 8.30 am – 10.00 pm 7 days per week (except for Bank Holidays and including University Closed Days), and this post is for varying hours per week, working a regular pattern of hours including a regular commitment to weekend/evening working. The Hours We Currently Have Available Are:
- 19 hours per week
- 20 hours per week
The selection process will consist of a group assessment day held on Friday 3rd July 2026 at The Hive. Candidates successful at the assessment day will be invited to attend a second stage formal interview which will be held on Monday 6th July 2026.
What's in it for you?
- Annual incremental increase up to £24,830 (pro rata per annum), with the opportunity to progress to £25,620 (pro rata per annum) subject to performance and the university reward scheme
- 32 days of leave per year (inclusive of bank holidays and University closure days) rising to 37 total days after 5 years’ continuous service
- Access to our Staff Retail Benefits Scheme
- Wellbeing advice and support through our Employee Assistance Programme
- In-house training and development support
- A friendly, inclusive and supportive culture and work environment
Please note that if not already an employee of the University of Worcester, the appointed candidate will be employed through our subsidiary company Uniworc Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of University of Worcester. Appointees of Uniworc Limited will automatically be enrolled into the Aviva FlexHE defined contribution pension scheme (subject to earnings and other eligibility criteria).
Please note that this post does not meet the minimum salary requirements for visa sponsorship under the Skilled Worker Route. We are therefore unable to consider applicants for this post who will require sponsorship to work in the UK.
Library Customer Advisor employer: UNIVERSITY OF WORCESTER
As a Library Customer Advisor at The Hive, you will be part of an innovative and collaborative environment that merges public and academic library services, providing a unique opportunity to engage with a diverse community. The role offers competitive benefits including annual leave that increases with service, in-house training, and a supportive culture that prioritises employee wellbeing and growth. Join us in making a meaningful impact while enjoying the dynamic atmosphere of the UK's first joint public and academic library.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Library Customer Advisor
✨Connect with the Community
Get involved in customer support communities online! Platforms like Reddit and specific Facebook groups can be goldmines for sharing opportunities and tips. You can find out about part-time roles that might not even be advertised yet — it's all about who you know!
✨Attend Local Job Fairs
Job fairs are perfect for snagging part-time gigs! Keep an eye out for local hiring events and career expos in your area. It’s a brilliant chance to meet representatives from companies like UNIVERSITY OF WORCESTER and show off your personality in person.
✨Boost Your Visibility
Showcase your skills in online customer support forums or by offering help on platforms like Zendesk Community. A strong online presence can catch the eyes of recruiters and hiring managers looking for genuinely passionate candidates.
✨Apply Directly Through Us!
Don’t forget, applying through our website is one of the best ways to catch our attention. Tailor your application for the part-time customer support role at UNIVERSITY OF WORCESTER and let us see your personality shine through!
We think you need these skills to ace Library Customer Advisor
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Communication Skills:In customer support, communication is key! Make sure your CV and cover letter highlight your ability to clearly convey information and resolve issues. Use examples that illustrate how you've helped customers or colleagues in the past.
Demonstrate Your Problem-Solving Abilities:Employers want to see how you tackle challenges. Include specific instances where you resolved a tough issue for a customer or improved a process. Real life scenarios are a great way to showcase your critical thinking and adaptability.
Tailor Your Application to Part-Time Work:Since this is a part-time role, be upfront about your availability in your cover letter. Highlight how you can balance work with your other commitments. It shows you're organised and committed to making the role work for both you and UNIVERSITY OF WORCESTER.
Get Familiar with Our Brand:Before applying, take some time to learn about UNIVERSITY OF WORCESTER and our approach to customer support. Mention in your cover letter why you're excited about supporting our customers specifically. It’ll show your enthusiasm and that you've done your homework!
How to prepare for a job interview at UNIVERSITY OF WORCESTER
✨Show Off Your Communication Skills
In customer support, being able to communicate clearly and effectively is key. During the interview, make sure to demonstrate your listening skills and your ability to explain solutions simply. Use examples from past experiences where you resolved customer issues successfully.
✨Know the Tools of the Trade
Familiarise yourself with common customer support tools like ticketing systems (think Zendesk or Freshdesk) and chat software. If you’ve used any of these in previous roles or during your studies, be ready to chat about your experiences. Showing you can hit the ground running with these tools will impress UNIVERSITY OF WORCESTER.
✨Highlight Your Flexibility
Since this is a part-time role, emphasise your ability to adapt to different shifts and your willingness to handle varying customer volumes. Share any experiences where you thrived in a fast-paced environment or juggled multiple tasks, which can highlight your time management skills.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Interviewers often love scenario-based questions in customer support roles. Be ready to tackle common customer situations, like how you'd handle an unhappy customer. Practising responses to these scenarios will showcase your problem-solving ability and customer service mindset, which UNIVERSITY OF WORCESTER will surely appreciate.
